Stapling machine



Feb. 26, 1952 s. M. BERGER STAPLING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Feb. 19, 1951 BY/MKM TTOH/VEV Feb. 26, 1952 s. M. BERGER STAPLING MACHINE 3' Sheets-Shet 2 Filed Feb. 19, 1951 Nm n ww mm N G H m@ m www r M A ww 1 G V. KNK M QN .WN Mm; .M N MN Nh Nw mw S mw \hw\ NW1 NY :Qmv bww l= n I wlwl A NW /WMU $5 vw NN mw %\ww\ mlomw\ IM n mw km,

Fel). 26, 1952 s, M, BERGERv 2,587,096

STAPLING MACHINE Filed Feb. 19, 1951 Patented Feb. 26, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.Y

STAPLING MACHINE Sidney M. Berger, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application February 19, 1951, Serial No. 211,620

23 Claims.

A further object of the invention is to provide i an improved stapling machine of the plier type which is inexpensive to manufacture, which is rugged in construction, which is especially adapted for fastening fabric or other flexible covers, suchas automobile seat covers and the like, in a rapid and convenient manner, and which requires the use of only one hand for the manipulation thereof.

A still further object ofthe invention is to provide an improved stapler of the plier type which includes wire feed means operated automatically in response to actuation of the staple cutting and forming means of the apparatus, the wire feed means and source of wire being included as a unitary part of the apparatus.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved stapling machine of the plier type which is arranged to be operated by one hand of the userso that theother hand of the user may be employed for holding the fabric or other flexible sheet material to be stapled, the stapling machine being particularly useful in fastening seat covers to automobile seats.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved automatic stapling machine for forming hog rings as employed in fastening automobile seat covers to seat frames, the machine providing rapid and efficient formation. of the rings from wire stock carried on the machine, whereby the use of prefabricated hog rings is not required in securing automobile seat covers and the like when the machine of the present-invention is employed.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a top plan vView of one form of stapling machine constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary top plan view ofthe machine of Figure 1 showing the fulcrum element of the machine in an outwardly Withdrawn position. Y l

Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken on the line 3 3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3 but showing the forming jaw elements of the machine in closed positions at the end of a stapling operation, said View being taken on line 4 4 of Figure 2. v

Figure 5 is a side elevational view of one o the major body segments of the machine of Figures 1 to 4.

Figure 6 is a transverse vertical cross-sectional view taken on line 6 6 of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a transverse vertical cross -sectional view taken on line of Figure l,

Figure 8 is a transverse vertical cross-sectional View taken one line 8 8 of Figure 1.

Figure 9 is a transverse vertical cross-sectional View taken on line 9 9 of Figure l.

Figure l0 is an enlarged longitudinal crosssectional detail view showing the relationship of the staple-forming die elements in the positions thereof shown in Figure 3.

Figure 11 is a top plan detail view of the structure shown in Figure 10.

Figure 12 is an elevational detail view taken on the line |2 |2 of Figure 1.

Figure 13 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view taken through a modified form of stapling machine constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 14 is a View similar to Figure 13 but showing the staple-forming die elements in open positions at the beginning of a stapling operation.

Figure 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail view taken on the line |5 |5 lof Figure 13.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures l to 12, one form of the stapling machine may comprise a pair of mating body 40 segments 2| and 22 which are suitably recessed to define a housing for the various internal components of the machine, as will be presently described. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the mating body segments 2| and 22 may be recessed at their forward portions, as shown at 23 and 24 to define a cavity which is open at its top end. The body segments may be further recessed, as shown at 25, 26, 21 and 28 in Figure 5, and as shown at 29 and 30 in Figure 4. In addition,

the body segments are formed with mating 1onsegments 2| and 22 are provided with downwardly and rearwardly inclined bracket lugs 3 3 'and 22.

and'opposing the concave die element v43. Velement 50 is rotatable in the cavity defined by 3 and 34 between the ends of which is journalled a reel 35 adapted to carry a coil of wire stock.

The forward portions of the body segments 2| and 22 are secured together by a transverse rivet 3B which traverses the cavity dened by the recesses 23 and 24, as shown. Designated at 31 is a transverse shaft element which is rotatably mounted in the mating body segments 2| and 22 and is located in the upper portion of the recess 25. Designated at 38 is another transverse shaft element which is rotatably mounted in the mating body segments 2| and 22 and which traverses said body segments at the intermediate portion of the recess 26. Designated at 39 is still another transverse shaft element Vwhich 'is rotatably mounted in the mating body segments and which is located in the recess 21.

Designated at 40 is an arm which issecured to shaft element 31 and which extends outside the main body'dened by segments 2| and `22. As shown, arm 4t extends through the recess AY215 and is formed with the grip portion 4|. VSaid grip portion is biased clockwise, 4as viewed f-in lll Figure 3, by a suitable spring -42 connecting arm hand and exerting squeezingpressure thereon.

Obviously, any other suitable spring means may be employed to bias grip portion 4| away from the main body of the tool, such as a leaf spring connected between `the -grip portion and the main body in the manner illustrated in Figures 13 to'l5.

Secured to shaft Y31 is a gear segment 43 `which meshes with a rack bar 44 slidablyfmounted in the cavity dened between body -segments `2| Rack bar 44 vis provided 4.with upper rack teeth 45 and with lower'rack teeth4. Segment 43 meshes with the upper rack teeth 45.v

Secured to shaftBG--isfa lgear segment-41' which meshes with the upper rack'teeth 45 of rackwbar `44.

.cavity is arcuate Vin shape, andthe end of die element 48 is also arcuate and is arranged `to` move lsliclably along said rear end wall of the cavity when the die element 48 isrotated. The bore dened byrgrooves i3! and 32 Aterfminates at said rear end wall, whereby the end of die element 48 acts as a shearing element to shear oi a length of wire projecting from said bore when the die element 48 is rotated -upwardly from the position thereof shown in Figure 3. This rotation occurs when arm 4Q is rotated counterclockwise, is viewed in Figure 3, -sincefrack bar 44 ismoved rearwardly responsive to counterclockwise rotation of arm 4i).

Rotatably mounted on shaft is a gear segment 49, vand integrally formed with gear segment 4S is a concave die element 50 located `at the left side of shaftv36, as viewed in Figure 3, Die

recesses 23 and 24. Gear segment 49` meshes with a rack bar 5| slidably mounted in the main body of thel tool adjacent to rack bar 44, said rack bar 5| being movable longitudinally insaid main body.

Secured on the shaft 38 is a relatively small gear 52 which meshes with the lower teeth of rack bar 44 and with the teeth of rack bar 5I, as shown in Figure 3. It will be apparent that when rack bar 44 is moved to the right, as viewed in Figure 3, rack bar 5I will be moved to the left, and vice versa. Therefore, when die element 48 is rotated counterclockwise, the opposing die element 50 is'rotated clockwise at thetsame rate. Furthermore, when grip portion 4| is rotated t0 `the closed position thereof shown in Figure 4,

the die elements 48 and 50 are rotated from 'thelopen' positions shown in Figure 3 to the closed positions shown in Figure 4.

Secured on shaft 38 adjacent small gear 52 is the relatively. large "gear 53. Slidably mounted in the recessed portion 29 of the cavity deined between body segments 2l and 22 is a rack bar 54 which is disposed above and which meshingly engages'withgear 53. Designatedat 55 isa lever which is pivoted at 56 in body segment V2l 4for rotation in a plane normal to the planes of rotation of the dieelements 48 and-50. The-forward end of lever 55 is formed with a iulcrumelement -51 movable into `a position above' the shaft element-36 substantially between the extremities of the die elements 48 and 50, as shown inFigures land -3. The rear portion-58 -oflever55 is-received in a slot-59 formed in--the upper portion o1 segment 2|. Said-rearfportion-i is formed with a sinuous cam Yslot 60 which yslidablyre- `ceives an upstanding pin- 6|fsecured on the rack bar 54. Slot Gli-is shaped to moveffulcrum element 51 out of the space betweenV the die elements 48 and `50--after a preliminary `stage of upward rotationof said die elements. -Aiter said preliminary -upward 'rotation of the Ydie elements, during which fulcrum elements A51 Aisemployed as a support for the intermediatelportionof a length of `wirew-hile the yends ot-thewireare bent upwardly, the tulcr-um--element is withdrawn yby the camming actionofpin 6| onsloti asrack bar 54is moved rearwardly. lIt will be lapparent that as soonas-the ends of 1l the -wire Ahavebeen bent upwardly, continued.inwardpressure of the die elements is sufiicient to complete-.the bending of the wire-without further'need-for a iulcrum Y element.

at 53,'extends slidably .throughra guideplug |54 secured in the end-of ithetool body and through the central bore of sleeve-62 andthe bore dened -bygrooves 3 lfand 32.

Designated 'at' 55 .isa large :coiled spring disposed in-the -bore andbearing between sleeve 62 and plug 64. Spring 65 biases -sleeve -62 `to the left, `as viewed in Figure-4. Sleeve -62 is` provided with a frictionclutch comprising -a springpressed ball 61 arranged in an inclined bore-68 .in said sleeve and engaging the wire.63. yThe ball 61 allows `sleeve 62 to be movedfreely -to the rightrelative -to-Vwire asviewedr-in .Fig-

ure 3, but grips the-wire `Awhen themsleeve-is returned to the left by the wedging .action .ofthe ball-51 thereon.

Movement of the wire B3 to the right, as viewed lin Figure 3,:is `prevented by a spring-pressed clutch ball 69, vsimilartovball 61provided in the tool-'body yand-arranged to exert braking "force downwardly and forwardly on'the wire .63, the clutch ball 69 being housed in a downwardlyand forwardly inclined sleeve threadedly engaged in the body forwardly of the bore 66, as shown in Figure 3.

The rack bar,54 is in abutment with the sleeve 62 and moves the sleeve 62 rearwardly at the same time that the concave die elements 48 and 50 are rotated upwardly towards each other. This occurs when grip 4| is rotated counterclockwise from the position of Figure 3. Designated at 1| is an-arm pivoted on shaft element 39 in recess 21 and located below sleeve 62 when said sleeve is inthe position of Figure 3. Arm 1| is biased counterclockwise by a leaf spring 12 secured in the wall of recess 21 and bearing downwardly on the left end portion of said arm, ,as viewed in Figure 3. When sleeve 82 `is moved by rack bar 54 to the right, as viewed in Figure 3, to the position thereof shown in Figure 4, the arm 1| lockingly engages against the end of sleeve 62, as shown, and prevents immediate return of said sleeve when rack bar 54returns towards its initial position. However, when the die elements 48 and 50 have returned to their initial open positions, as shown in Figure 3, the left end 13 of arm 1| is cammingly engaged by the right end of rack bar 5|, causing said arm 1| to be rotated clockwise,y as viewed in Figure 4, thereby releasing sleeve 62 and allowing spring 65 to return thesleeve to the position of Figure 3. This,v of course, advances the wire 63 and brings a new length of wire over the die elements 50 and 48.

The die element 50 is formed at its extremity with a notch 14 adapted to receive the end of the wire advanced into forming position by the return of sleeve 82 as above described. When grip member 4| is rotated counterclockwise from the position of Figure 3 toward the position of Figure 4, die element 48 shears the wire, and the ends of the wire are bent upwardly around the fulcrum element 51 in a first stage of the rotation of the grip member 4| toward the tool body. As rotation of grip member 4| toward the tool body is continued, the fulcrum element 51 is retracted from between the die elements and the wire is bent into substantially circular form, as shown in Figure 4, by the opposed concave forming surfaces of the die elements.

It will be understood that the ring thus formed may be employed to staple a portion of flexible sheet material, such vas/fabric, to a portion of a seat frame, It will be further apparent that the stapling operation may be accomplished with only one hand, since it is merely necessary to grasp the body of the tool and the grip portion in one hand, exerting squeezing pressure thereon.

. Upon relaxation of said pressure, the grip member 4| returns to its initial position, causing the rack bar 54 to trip the detent arm 1|, whereby a new length of Wire is advanced over the forming die elements 48 and 50 by sleeve 82.

The concave die elements 48 and 50 are formed with centering recesses and 18 to maintain the wire in centered position between the die elements during the ring-forming operation.

Referring now to the form of theinvention illustrated in Figures 13, 14 and 15, 8| designates a first arm, and 92 designates a second arm which is pivotally connected to arm 8| at 83. Secured between the arms 8| and 82 is a leaf spring 84 which biases the arms apart.

Secured to the rear end portion of arm 9| are a pair of downwardly and rearwardly inclined lugs 85 between the ends of which is journalled the reel 86 adapted to carry a coil of wire stock. The arm 8| is formed with a longitudinal Y bore81 in which the wire from reel 86 is slidably received. The forward portion of arm 8l is formed with an inclined, rearwardly directed recess 88 communicating with bore 81. A springpressed ball 89 is provided in the recess 88 which wedginglyengages the wire, shown at 90, when the wire is moved rearwardly, thus preventing rearward movement` of said wire in bore 81 but allowing the wire tobe freely moved forwardly therein..

Arm 8| isformed at its intermediate portion with a large slot 9|. Designated at 92 is a wiregripping sleeve similar to sleeve 62 in the previously-described form of the invention. Sleeve 92 surrounds the wire 90 and is provided with wiregripping means similar to the spring-pressed ball 81 in the inclined bore 68 previously described. Designated at 93 is a large coiled spring mounted in a recess 94 andbearing between sleeve 92 and the end wall of said recess, as shown, biasin sleeve 92 forwardly. 1

Sleeve 92 is formed with an upstanding longitudinal rib 95 provided with transverse projections 98, 96 which slidably engage in opposed longitudinal grooves 91 formed in the side walls of slot 9| and guide sleeve 92 for longitudinal movement in slot 9|. Designatedat 98 is a link arm which is pivoted to arm 82 at 99 and which is formed at its end with a head |00. Head |00 is slidably received in slot 9| and is provided with transverse projections |0| slidably engaged in op posed longitudinal grooves |02 formed in the side walls of slot 9| and guiding head |00 for longitudinal movement in slot 9 Designated at |03 is a rearwardly extending lever pivoted between the side walls of slot 9| at |04. The free end of lever |03. comprises an upwardly projecting, tapered detent element |05 adapted to lockingly engage in a notch |06 formed in the bottom of sleeve 92. Detentelement |05 is biased upwardly by a spring |01 secured between lever |03 and the bottom wall of the cavity -9|as shown.

The rear end of head |00 is adapted to abut the sleeve 92 and move the sleeve rearwardly responsive to rotation of arm 82 toward arm 8|. When sleeve 92 has been moved rearwardly to a position adjacent the opening of bore 94, as shown in Figure 15, the detent element |05 engages in notch |06 and locks sleeve 92.

The forward end of head |00 comprises a lug |08 which is adapted to abut a bevelled shoulder |09 on the forward portion of lever |03 when the arm 482 is allowed to separate from arm 8| to its fully released position shown in Figure 14. When lug |08 engages shoulder |09, the lever |03 is rotated downwardly, disengaging detent element |05 from notch |06 and allowing sleeve 92 to be moved forwardly by the expansion of spring 93. This advances a length of wire through the arm 8|. Therefore, a new length of wire is advanced through arm 8| each time arms 8|, 82 are squeezed together and then released.

-The forward portion of arm 82 is formed with a concave die element I |0 terminating in a shearing element Arm 8| is formed with a slotlike recess ||2 in which die element H0 is rotatable, and the shearing element is arranged to move along the rear wall surface of recess ||2 responsive to the rotation of arm 82 relative to arm 8|. The wire 99 protrudes from the rear wall surface of recess ||2 and is sheared by element Il whenV said element moves upwardly from the position of Figure 14.

Designated at |'|5 is a concave die element which is "pivoted `to the forward Tend Aof *arm 8I at IIBffand whichfaces thedie'element III). VThe deelement IIis provided with thelgear I'I-' rigi'cllysecured thereto-land whiehfmeshes with gear teeth I`I8Aformed'on the endof arm`82, as shown, whereby counterclockwise rotation fof `arm 82 'drives die element I i'clockwisaand viceversa.

Designated at H9, IIS .are a pair of opposed fulcrum .arms pivoted inthe opposing walls of recess H2 at Iii, I2@ for rotation in a transverse plane relativetoisaid recess, and-biased inwardly byrespective leaf springs I2I, I2I arranged as shown in Figure 15. The fulcrumtarms' I i9, H9

`are formed'with opposing bearing recesses I22,

'ater'the ends of the wire have been bent upwardly by the concave die elements.

YAt the beginning'of the staplin'g 'operation the `wire is arranged as shown in Figure 14. When arm 82 is'rotated toward arm 8|.'as1bylexerting squeezing pressure on said arms,'element III shears ofi -a length of wire, said length being gripped by thefulcrum arms HS, H9 at'their bearing recesses |22,` 22. .During the Afirst stage of rotation of arm 82 toward arm BI theopposing `concave die elements H and H5 bend thelends .of the wire upwardly, .the intermediate portiono the wire being held byfulcrum arms I I9, I i9. As

frotation of arm 82 toward arm 8| continues, .the Afulcrum elements I I9, I i9 are separated, V.allowing the concave die elements I i0 andl i I 5. to'complete the stapling operation,forming`the circular fastening ring from the wire blank and engaging said ring around the parts to bestapled. The sleeve A92 is at the same time moved rearwardly to the 'position of Figure l5. When the squeezing pressure on the arms 8 I and'82 is'released,spring 84 returns the arms .to their spread-apart positions. When lug H38 engages bevelled shoulder IOS, the lever IBS isitripped, releasing sleeve '92, whereby said sleeve moves forwardlyiand advancesa new length of wire over recess H2. The

toolis now ready for the next staplingioperation.

While certain specific embodiments of a' sta'- pling tool have been disclosed in vthe foregoing description, it will be understood that various modications within the spirit of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore it is intendedrthat no limitations be placed on the invention except as dened by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Ina stapling machine of the plier type, a'

pair of armspivotally connected together, wire feedlrneans on one of said arms operated responsive-to a rststage of relative rotation thereof, wire shearing means on one arm .arranged to'cut off a length of lwire responsive-to `asec0ndstage of relative rotation of said arms, arstconcave die element secured to said one of the arms opposing said wire shearing means, a second. concave die element en said one'arm opposing said first die element, a movable Afulcrum elementen said one of the arms and being movable between said die elements, and means withdrawingv said 'fulcrum element vfrom between` the .die y elements responsive to asucceeding stage of relative rotation of said arms.

-2.'Inastapling machine ofthe plierY type, `a pair o-armspivotally connected together, wire feed fmeans on one of the arms, a shearing elementl cooperatively arranged with-respect to Asaid wire Afeed-*means to cutoff a length of wire responsive toarst stage of relative rotation of said-armere yrst concave dieV element securedto said oneloi the arms opposingV said. shearing element, asecnd concavedie element, means supportingy said secondrconcavedienelement in..rotative opposing relation with respect to saidy firstconcave dieelement, a fulcrum-'elementfmovably secured to. said one fof the arms and vbeing movable between said 'die elements, and means mechanically coupled to-said. arms andv arranged to retract the fulcrum element *from between said die elementsl responsivel--to` a `succeeding stage of relative rotationfof fsaidarms.

3..- In a stapling machine of the plier typefa pair ofearms pivotally 'connected together,-wire feed '-means'onfoneotthe arms, a shearing :element cooperating with said one of the arms tocut` off a length of wireresponsive to a irststage of 'relative rotation offsai'd arms, a rst concave die lelement secured to said one-0f the arms opposing said' shearing elementja second concave-die element,`means supporting saidsecond-concave die element in rotative opposing relation with respect to said rst die element, a ulcrum elementfmov- 'ably' Asecured tosaid onel of the arms land being movable between said die i elements, andv means withdrawing said ulcrum element responsive to a succeeding :stage ofrelative-lrotation of-said arms.

4. In a, staplingmachine of theplier type, la pair of arms pivotally connected together, wire feed means" on one of the arms operated responsive to relative rotation of the arms,.a shearing element cooperating with said one of the arms to cut oi a length of wire responsive to a first stage-of relative rotation of said arms, a first concave die element mounted on said one of the'arms opposing `said shearing element, a-second concave die element, means supporting saidsecond concave die element in rotative 'opposingrelation Withrespect to said rst die element,fa fulcrum Helement movably secured to said one of thearms and being movable between `said die elements, and means withdrawing said fulcrumelement responsive to a succeeding stage of relative rotation of said arms. g

5. In a stapling machine of the plier typeya i pair of arms pivotally connected togethenwire feed means on one of the arms operated responsive tol relativev rotation 'of the arms, a shearing element cooperating with said one of the arms to cut off a length of wire'responsive to arst stage of relative rotation of said arms, a first concave die element'pivoted to said one of the arms opposing said shearing element, means coupling said first 'concave die element to said other arm, a second concave die element, means 'supporting said second concavedie element in' rotative opposing relation with respect'to and facing said rst die element, a'fulcrum element movably secured to said one of the arms and being movable between said die elements, and means withdrawing said fulcrum element responsive to a succeed- `.ing stageof relative rotationl of said arms.

6. In i afsta'pling Hmachine of` the plier type, a

` pairof' `arms "pivotally' connected together, wire vfeedme'a'n's'on'one of the Varms'operated responsive to ,relative rotation of the arms, a shearing ,element cooperating with said one of the arms to yCut off a length of wire responsive to a first stage of relative rotation of said arms, a rst concave die element pivoted to said one of the arms opposing said shearing element, means coupling said `rst concave die element to said other arm, a second concave die element, means supporting said second concave die element in rotative opposing relation with respect to said rst die element, a fulcrum element movably secured to said one of the arms and being movable between said die elements, and means withdrawing said fulcrum element responsive to a succeeding stage of relative rotation of said arms, said coupling means being arranged to rotate said first concave die element toward said shearing element responsive to said rst stage of relative rotation.

7.. In a stapling machine of the plier type, a pair of arms pivotally connected together, wire feed means on one of the arms, a shearing element cooperating with said one of the arms to cut off a length of wire responsive to a first stage of relative rotation of said arms, a first concave die element pivoted to said one of the arms opposing said shearing element, means gearingly coupling said iirst die element to said other arm and arranged to rotate said rst concave die element toward said shearing element responsive to said rst stage of relative rotation, a second concave die element, means supporting said second concave die element in rotative opposing relation with respect to said first die element, a fulcrum element movably secured to said one of the arms and being movable between said die elements, and means retracting said fulcrum element from between said die elements responsive to a succeeding stage of relative rotation of the arms.

8. In a stapling machine of the plier type, a pair of arms pivotally connected together, wire feed means on one of the arms, a shearing element cooperating with said one of the arms to cut off a length of wire responsive to a, iirst stage of relative rotation of said arms, a rst concave die element pivoted to said one of the arms opposing said shearing element, means gearingly coupling said rst die element to said other arm and arranged to rotate said rst concave die elementtoward said shearing element responsive tosaid rst stage of relative rotation, a second concave die element, means supporting said second concave die element in rotative opposing relation with respect to said iirst die element, a fulcrum element movably secured to said one of the arms, means biasing said fulcrum element to a position between said die elements, and means retracting said fulcrum element from between said die elements responsive to a succeeding stage of relative rotation of the arms.

9. In a stapling machine of the plier type, a pair of arms pivotally connected together, wire feed means on one of the arms, a shearing element cooperating with said one of the arms to out off a .length of wire responsive to a iirst stage of relative rotation of said arms, a iirst concave die element pivoted to said one of the arms opposing said shearing element, means gearingly coupling said first die element to said other arm and arranged to rotate said rst concave die element toward said shearing element responsive to said rst stage of relative rotation, a second concave die element, means supporting said second concave die element in rotative opposing relation with respect to said first die element, a fulcrum element movably secured to said one of the arms,

means biasing said fulcrum element to a position between said die elements, and cam meanscontrolled by said other arm and cammingly engaging said fulcrum element, said last-named means being arranged to retract said fulcrum element from between said die elements responsive to a succeeding stage of relative rotation of the arms.

l0. A stapling machine of the plier type comprising a pair of arms pivotally connected together at their intermediate portions and having rear grip elements and forward jaw elements, means biasing said rear grip elements apart, wire feed means on one of the arms and arranged to feed wire forwardly therethrough responsive to rotation of said grip elements apart, a shearing member'cooperating with said one of the arms and arranged to cut off a length of Wire responsive to a first stage of rotation of said grip elements towards each other, a first concave die element secured to the jaw element of said one of the arms opposite said shearing member, a second concave die element, means supporting said second concave die element in rotative opposing relation with respect to the iirst die element, a fulcrum element movably secured to said one of the arms, means positioning said fulcrum element between said die elements when said grip elements are in spread-apart relationship, and means withdrawing said fulcrum element from between said die elements responsive to a second stage of rotation of said grip elements towards each other.

11. A stapling machine of the plier type comprising a pair of arms pivotally connected together at their intermediate portions and having rear grip elements and lforward jaw elements, means biasing said rear grip elements apart, wire feed means on one of the arms and-arranged to feed wire forwardly therethrough re sponsive to rotation of said grip elements apart, a shearing member cooperating with said one of the arms and arranged to cut on" a length of wire responsive to a iirst stage of rotation of said grip elements towards each other, a first concave die element pivoted to the jaw element of said one of the arms opposite said shearing member, a second concave die element, means supporting said second concave die element in rotative opposing relation with respect to the rst die element, means gearingly coupling said first concave die element to said other arm and arranged to rotate said iirstconcave die element towards the second concave die element responsive to rotation of the grip elements towards each other, a iulcrum element movably secured to said one of the arms, means positioning said fulcrum element between said die elements when'said grip elements are in. spread-apartV relationship, and means withdrawing said fulcrum element from between said Idie elements responsive to a second stage of rotation of said grip elements towards each other.

.arranged to move a length of wire over said forming dies, wire shearing means arranged to cut 01T said length of'wire responsive to'a iirst stage of relative rotation of the arms and to place said length of wire between the dies, a ful- Acrum element movably secured to said one of the arms, means biasing said fulcrum element to a position between the dies, and means retract'- ing-said fulcrum element responsiveto -a second stage of relative rotation of said arms.

13; The structure of claim 12, and wherein said feed means comprises a sleeve member slidable longitudinally in said one arm, wire gripping means in said sleeve member, an abutment member coupled to the other arm and engageable with said sleeve member, said abutment member being arranged to move the sleeve member rearwardly responsive to rotation of the rear portions ofthe arms toward each other, spring means biasingthe sleeve member forwardly, movable detent means lockingly engageable with the sleeve member when said sleeve member has been moved rearwardly a predetermined dista-nce, and means disengaging said detent means from said sleeve member responsive to the relative outward rota tion of the rear portions of said arms to a predetermined angle of sepa-ration'.

14. In a stapling machine of the type-having a pair of arms pivotally connected together and provided with wire forming means Vadjacent the ends of the arms, wire feed means comprising a sleeve member slidable longitudinally in one of the arms, wire gripping means in said sleeve member, an abutment member coupled to the other arm and engageable with said sleeve member, said abutment member beingarranged to move the sleeve member rearwardly responsive to rotation of the rear portions of the armsteward each other, springmeans biasing the sleeve member forwardly, movable detent means lockingly engageable with the sleeve member when said sleeve member has been moved rearwardly a predetermined distance, and means'disengaging said detent means from said sleeve member responsive to the relative outward rotation of the rear portions of said arms to a predetermined angle of separation.

15. In ar stapling machine of the typeV having a pair of arms pivotally connectedtogether and provided with wire forming. means adjacent the forward end portions of the arms, wire feed means comprising a wire gripping member slidable longitudinally in one of the arms, an abutmentmember coupled to the other arm` and engageable with the wire gripping member, saidv abutment member being arranged to move the wire gripping member' rearwardly responsive` to rotation of the arms in onedirection; spring means biasing the wire gripping member forwardly, movable detent meanslookingly engageable with the wire gripping member whenJ said wire gripping member has been moved, rearwardly a predetermined distance, and means disengaging said detent meansfrom said wire gripping member responsive to theirotation-of said arms in the opposite direction toI a predetermined angle of separation.

16. In a plier tool, al pair of piv'otedl arms, a pair of pivoted opposed concave staple forming elements actuated by said arms, means'for feeding wire stock to said. elements, and shearing means on one of said elements operable to out a staple length-of wire upon initial stapleform ing movement of said-elements.

17. In a plier tool, a pair of pivoted arms, a pair of opposed concave pivoted staple forming elements actuated by saidvarms, meansforfeed.- ing wire stock. to saidv elements, and shearing` means on one of said elements operable to out a staple length of wire ,uponinitial staple forming. movement of said elements, one of said staple forming elements being rigidly connected to one of said pivoted arms.

18. A plier type stapling tool as described in i2 claim 16, wherein said pair'of staple-*forming ele'- ments comprise semi-circular die surfaces which are pivoted to rotate-with respectto each-other to form said cut length of staplewire`l into a ring-shaped staple.-

19. A pair of forming dies for use in astaple forming tool of the plier type having biasedapart pivoted arms and means for feeding wire stock to a staple forming position upon spreading movement of said arms; said pair ofV forming dies comprising pivotedA members having concave forming surfaces swingable toward each other to form a ring-shaped staple from a port-ion# of said wire stock, said dies further having separate portions for engagement with actuatingmechanism operated by'closing movement of said pivoted arms to swing said forming surfaces toward each other.

20. In a plier type stapling tool, a pair of biased-apart pivoted arms, a pair of pivoted staple forming elements operated by closing movement of said arms, and means for feeding wire stock to said elements at the completion of spreading movement of said arms to their biasedapart positions, said wire feeding means com'- prising a clutch member moved along said wire away from said staple forming elements against pressure means upon closing movement of said arms, a latch for retaining said clutch member in its furtherrnost position while said arms are being spread apart, and a trip memberfor releasing said latch at the end of said spreading movement of said arms to permit said pressure means to move the clutch and feed wire toward said staple forming elements.

21. In a stapling machine of 'the plier type, a pair of arms pivotally connected together, wire feed means on one of the arms, shearing'means cooperatively arranged withY respect to said. wire feed means to cut off a length of wire responsive to a first stage of relative rotation of said arms, a iirst concave die element secured to said one of the arms opposing said shearing means, a

second concave die element, meanssupporting;

said second concave die element in rotativeV op.- posing relation with respect'to said rstconcave die element, fulcrum means movably secured to one of the arms and being movable between said die elements, and means arranged to retractnsaid fulcrum means from between said die velements responsive to a succeeding stage of relativev rotation of said arms.

22. In a stapling machine of the vplierv type,v aV pair of arms pivotally connected together, Wire feed means on one of the arms, shearing means cooperatively arranged with respect to said Wire feed means to cut oi'a length of wire responsive to a first stage 'of relative rotation of said arms; a first concave me element secured tosaid one of the arms opposingv said shearing means, a second concave die element, means suporting said second concave die element in rotative opposing relation with respect to saidl first concave die element, fulcrum means movably secured to oneof the arms and being movablebetween said die elements, means biasing said fulcrum means; to .a position between said die elements, and means arranged to retract saidY fulcrum means; from between `said die elements responsive to a..V suc,-`

ceeding stage of relative rotation. of saidarms.

23. In a stapling machine of the plientype, a pair of arms pivotally connected together, wire feedmeans on one of the armashearing means cooperatively arranged with respect to said wire feed means to out off a length of wire responsive to a first stage of relative rotation of 'said arms.

a first concave die element secured to said one of v responsive to a succeeding stage of relative rotathe arms opposing said shearing means. a second tion of said arms.

concave die element, means suporting said sec- SIDNEY M. BERGER. ond concave die element adjacent said shearing .Y

means in rotative opposing relation with respect j REFERENCES CITED t0 Sad fst concave die element' fulcum meangd: The following references are of record in the movably secured to one of the arms and being me of this patent;

movable between said die elements, means biasing said fulcrum means to a position between said UNITED STATES PATENTS die elements, and means arranged to retract said U' Number Name Date fulcrum means from between said die elements 1,174,937 Merrick Mar. '7, 1916 

